
Weather whoops
The false alarm having to do with inclement weather Tuesday morning forced the Grizzlies to cancel their morning shoot-around, and conduct a walk-through about three hours before tip-off. "It feels like a back-to-back," coach Marc Iavaroni said before his team played the New Orleans Hornets. "But we're not focusing on that. You have to deal with it. We'll adjust."
Forecasts called for a wintry mix that figured to create slippery conditions.
Instead, numerous accidents brought traffic delays, including the closure of part of Bill Morris Parkway.
A majority of players live east and rely on that highway to travel downtown.
Iavaroni made an executive decision to cancel the morning shoot-around at 8 a.m. The Grizzlies' practice was scheduled for 9:45 a.m.
Haddadi close to return
Rookie center Hamed Haddadi will rejoin the team Monday after spending time in the NBA Developmental League.
"He's playing in a little man's league, but it's a lot better than not playing here," Iavaroni said. "I expect him to be in better shape."
The Griz assigned Haddadi - a 7-2 Iranian - Nov. 25 to the Dakota Wizards in Bismarck, North Dakota where pro scout Gordon Chiesa oversaw his progress.
Walker to walk?
The Griz are expected to announce today a contract buyout with forward Antoine Walker . The 32-year-old, 13-year veteran will shop for a situation where he can find playing time after he clears waivers.
(Following paragraphs ran in Millington Appeal sports)
Walker was not on the Grizzlies bench for a second straight game as both parties have worked on the terms of a buyout since the weekend.
"We wish him the best," Iavaroni said. "We want him to get an opportunity where he can play. Here, we are happy to see the development of Darrell Arthur. That took (Walker's) minutes. He was the odd man out."
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